Posts by tag: 900

Honda April 8, 2021 posted by Donn

Gen. 2 – 1997 Honda CBR900RR FireBlade

Mid-1990’s Honda heard footsteps and made a major update to the CBR900RR, keeping weight in check with a healthy power increase. Here’s a Tennessee survivor that has been somebody’s baby.

1997 Honda CBR900RR for sale on eBay

One millimeter increase in bore gave the new FireBlade 918cc’s, and a claimed 80 percent new engine resulted in 130 hp. 38mm constant velocity carbs from Keihin remained, and the first four gears moved around a bit ratio-wise. The chassis kept most dimensions but was made lighter but more rigid, leading to reviews of a solid ride. Magnesium valve covers and lightweight alternator helped keep the pounds in check. House forks and monoshock had internal improvements, and a noticeable rise in the bars and seat height gave riders a lighter feel.

This CBR has a light 13,414 miles and shows very well, with only one apparent blemish, maybe a trailering mishap. Sounds like a comprehensive service was done last year, and it has new Battlaxes and newly cleaned fuel system. Except for the exhaust, mods are hard to see. Details from the eBay auction:

A few weeks ago I had new tires put on this bike. (Bridgestone Battlax S21 Hypersport )

Last week this bike went to Honda and had the entire fuel system cleaned including carbs. ($1,200)

I change the oil every other year and last year performed a full tune up including:

– OEM spark plugs
– OEM oil/filter
– OEM coolant
– Motul RFB brake fluid
– Ballistic EVO2 Lithium battery
– OEM choke, clutch, throttle cables

This bike has the many custom accessories including:

– Two Brothers can with fiberglass insulation wrap on the exhaust
– Stage 1 jet kit
– BMC air filter
– Custom undertail
– Galfer steel braided brake lines
– Tinted windscreen
– Valentine One Radar detector wiring with remote screen (wiring and remote screen only – radar detector is being sold with another bike)
– The brake calipers have been powercoated black

I am including the following with the purchase of this bike:

– Honda Shop Manual
– Rear stand (see pics)
– Front stand (see pics)
– Ballistic Battery Charger
– Handle bar strapping harness
– Shoei large helmet
– lots of small powder coated parts

Though its in-between engine meant it wasn’t a racebike equipped for the road, the combination of pretty good power and light weight did the FireBlade well in Formula Xtreme and Formula USA. And won many media shootouts. At half the cost ( or much less ) of a new sportbike, this ready-to-ride survivor might again bridge the supersport to superbike classes for a new generation, or one returning to the hobby after a long delay.

-donn

Benelli April 3, 2021 posted by Mike

With Papers: 1983 Benelli 900 SEI

Kicking this post off with a provocative statement, I’m not sure the world realized what a tremendous talent we had in the form of Alejandro de Tomaso. While the Italian started life out as a racer (having participated in the echelon of F1), De Tomaso rapidly evolved into a business man with an eye for style. He formed his own car company, and was responsible for such hits as the Pantera and the Mangusta, as well as producing a F1 car for Williams. He acquired names and assets from defunct businesses, eventually owning coachbuilding companies such as Vignale and Ghia (later sold to Ford). His holdings extended across automobile and motorcycle boundaries, at one time controlling Innocenti (producing Lambretta scooters and BMC products under license), Maseratti (later sold to Fiat), Moto Guzzi and Benelli. Which brings us to today’s bike, a 1983 Benelli 900 SEI.

1983 Benelli 900 SEI for sale on eBay

Benelli, under the guidance of De Tomaso, was the first motorcycle manufacturer to put a six cylinder bike into production. That was way back in 1973, with the bones of the 750cc machine containing a lot of Honda four cylinder DNA. And while the six banger was never a huge seller – after all it was a bit exotic and very expensive for the time – Benelli continued to refine it and evolve it through the final year, 1989. In between it grew from 750 to 900cc, and gained poise, polish and reliability. Today these are interesting machines from an engineering perspective, but especially from a styling perspective. These are quintessential Italian style and flair.

From the seller:
This is a 1983 Benelli 900 SEI. The vehicle runs great and is mainly used for auto shows.

Superb example of this rare sport bike. Runs great, sounds awesome. Recent full service (receipt for $6300). Updated levers (have originals). Lots of manuals/product documentation regarding the bike is included. Only selling as I now have 6 bikes and need the room.

Today’s example is a 1983 model in 900cc. It has fewer than 12,000 miles on the clocks, and appears to have a fair bit of documentation and various manuals. This is a plus for a brand which no longer exists in the same manner as it did in the past. While Benelli retains an HQ building in Italy, the brand is wholly owned and all bikes are manufactured by the Qianjiang Group in China. Gone are the big sixes, and gone is some of the hand-built exotic nature of these mighty machines. This was truly the pinnacle of classic Benelli, and we are not likely so see the likes of it again. That is what makes today’s bike special. It is available for auction with a starting big of $17,500, and a Buy It Now number of a cool $22k. Those are big numbers, but this bike carries with it some significant history, and intrinsic rarity. Check out all of the details here, and Good Luck!

Ducati November 20, 2020 posted by Mike

All Sales Final: 1998 Ducati 900 Final Edition #104

Ducati has a long history of creating some very memorable motorcycles, many of which have been considered rolling artwork. They also have perfected the art of the limited edition, with exclusive models wearing limited and unique number plaques on the headstocks. The purpose of the special, super-exclusive badging is to drive demand via the perception of scarcity – thereby harnessing the law of supply and demand to turn a bigger profit. And in many, many cases the motorcycles wearing the “LE” badge are indeed special bikes (SP, SPS, LTD, Superlight, MH900e all come to mind). And what can be as special as the last model of the vaunted Tamburini-era 900 Supersport?

1998 Ducati 900 Final Edition #104 for sale on eBay

To be sure the 1998 model year was not the last Supersport – for these are still being built today. But the ’98 model was the final year for this particular design, which dates back to the 1980s and the introduction of the Pantah motor. With a big square headlight and both a half-faired as well as fully faired bodywork style available, the Supersport allowed customers who could not afford a 851/88/916 Superbike model a more wallet-friendly way to get into Ducati. And it worked. The air-cooled, two valve, desmo Ducati Supersports became a hot seller, overhauled only by the success of the Monster line. But the big deal here was not the past, but the future. For in 1998 the “new” Supersport design was launched – penned by Pierre Terblanche. Responsible for the polarizing design of the 999, Terblanche’s take on the classic 900 Supersport fell flat. That cliff dive of design continuity is what *really* makes the ’98 900 Final Edition special.

From the seller:
Final Edition – 1998 Ducati Supersport 900FE

To mark the end of its badass Supersport line, Ducati released a one-year run of 800 bikes around the world. They called it the Final Edition, painted it silver, and threw on a couple of goodies like 41mm FCR carbs and Ohlins rear shock. 300 of the 800 examples made it over the US – here’s number 104.

Ducati started with the Superlight variant of the SS, and then in addition to the silver paint, added a whole bunch of carbon: mudguard, chain guard, rear fender, countershaft drive cover, and dashboard cover. In addition, they raised the pipes for more cornering clearance, gave it new cast iron floating rotors, and some new parts (voltage regulator and alternator) were added, too.

Extremely rare Ducati, 14,895 miles in pristine condition. I am the second owner and it has been meticulously maintained.

From an ownership perspective, there is little not to love about the Supersport. Relatively simple, light, torquey and rock solid, the Ducati of this era gave up a little bit of creature comfort and polish to the Japanese competition, but offered the visceral sound and experience for which Ducati is known. Maintenance intervals are reasonable, and the 2v motors are much easier to work on than the desmoquattro Superbikes. All in all, these are reliable machines with a relatively low cost of ownership considering it is an Italian exotic.

From a collector perspective, the 900SS-SP (Sport Production) and 900SS-SL (Superlight) are the top dogs of the Supersport world. The Final Edition is essentially a specially-badged SP variant, which should certainly place it appropriately as unique. These are not necessarily valuable motorcycles as a whole (a basic 900 SS CR model remains a real bargain today), but values are certainly on the rise. Superlights are way up, and SP versions of the 900SS are climbing. This 900SS-FE has been slow on the auction side, and has a Buy It Now price of $9,000. That B.I.N. number is fair money for a clean and well-kept FE, so interested buyers should check out all of the details here. It’s hard to go wrong with a Ducati Supersport, be it bevel or Pantah, Tamburini or Terblanche. What’s your favorite Supersport model? Be sure and let us know in the comments. Stay safe, and good luck!!

Benelli November 17, 2020 posted by Donn

Sei You Will – 1983 Benelli 900 Sei

The 900 Sei was a natural evolution of the 1974 750, which was an engineering masterpiece. Here’s a 1983 example with rather low miles and superb looks.

1983 Benelli 900 Sei for sale on eBay

Just reviewing the numbers, the Sei might not thrill – the 80 hp are nothing dramatic for a 900, and the three 24mm Dell’Orto carburetors are a good compromise but don’t incite a fire-breathing riot. Magic carpet torque made the 5-speed perfectly adequate, and the Sei’s smoothness made the high-ish cruise rpm acceptable. The six-into-two exhaust didn’t photograph like the 750’s six megaphones, but certainly helped keep the weight down. Bodywork flowed from the cockpit fairing to the integral tank and sidecovers, which Honda’s CB900F seemed to reference the next year.

Offered by a Miami classics ( everything from a fire truck to an Africa Twin ) dealer, this Sei shows just over 12,000 miles and has fawned-over if unrestored cosmetics. No word on maintenance except to say that it’s a runner. Turn that O’Neal logo on the left grip to the underside and away you go. Limited comments in the eBay auction:

A rare Original bike in fantastic condition with extremely low miles.

They don’t come up often. Collector quality. Starts, runs and drives excellent.

With DeTomaso’s help, Benelli took an early lead in the 1970’s, but was a boutique brand compared with the Japanese competition. Still their ideas inspired copycats plus some design reverence, and more recent Indian and Chinese partners have kept the engineering offices in Pesaro while moving production further east. The buy-it-now is about all any Sei could muster, but the Make Offer button could be the start of a conversation.

-donn

Ducati September 14, 2020 posted by Donn

In with Both Feet – 1979 Ducati 900SS

By the late 1970’s, Ducati’s 900 Supersport leaned heavily on its Taglioni heritage, but had several worthwhile updates. This Connecticut example has a very original look but has been refreshed in some important areas.

1979 Ducati 900SS for sale on eBay

Ducati’s Supersports have a markedly similar feel over the course of the decade, with the forward canted L-twin and very light fairing. Gear shift and rear brake had been normalized for the previous generation, with shifter action greatly improved. The square-case engine still sported a kick-starter, but made room for bigger crank journals, improving reliability along a with more modern ignition system. The spare good looks continued for 1979, but with cast wheels and an optional dual seat.

Hard to argue with the previous owner’s removal if you’ve seen the factory blinkers, and hopefully they had the good sense to backdate the carburetors to the 40mm Dell’Orto’s as well. Like a lady of a certain age, it’s not sporting to ask about a 40+ year-old motorcycle’s relationship history, but it appears there was a long-term owner early on, with service records. Engine and paintwork were refreshed just 1,000 miles ago, but seemingly almost 20 years in the past. For some of us, the fan’s bevel-drive window never gets old. Notes from the eBay auction:

This particular 900SS is just about perfect for the vintage motorcycle enthusiast who prefers a motorcycle that has been enthusiastically kept, cared for and ridden.

It includes an Ownership/maintenance binder with it’s history from July of 1980 though May of 2003 (covering 26,123 miles).

These records include an engine overhaul by Desmoto-Sport in California at the 25,435 mark and a paint refresh(with the exception of the tank) and front directional delete(owners preference) at 24,320 (~1998). (according to previous owners records)

This bike is really nice as you can see from the photos. I have the original directional for the front and rear.

All of the fiberglass bodywork appears to be original. However the windscreen is Gustuvsons.

Contis are nice, as well as all the switches and gauges.

The last time I rode the motorcycle it ran very well and carbs were adjusted perfectly (that was a few years ago).

There is a slight “tick” when it warms up that I can hear only at idle (it may need a valve adjustment).

Comes with a dual seat.

Whereas most manufacturer’s street machines were the basis for their racers, the 900SS reviewed as the other way round, and they finagled the regs to put their race bikes in the showroom. Either way you can’t see much on a 900SS that’s not required for a grand day out. Maybe you are ready to take the plunge into waters that are somewhere between classic and vintage depth ? This 1979 900SS looks like a great choice.

-donn

Triumph July 20, 2020 posted by Donn

Featured Listing – 1997 Triumph T509 Speed Triple

Update 7.23.2020: This bike has SOLD in just 3 days to an RSBFS reader. Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc

Sharing little more than the letters on the nameplate with the namesake 1938 Speed Twin, fledgling Triumph Hinkley did have the same desire for the Speed Triple – to set the sales floor on fire. The 1994 introduction did very well indeed and justified a comprehensive re-design for 1997. RSBFS reader Todd offers his very sharp example in the single-year color Lucifer Orange.

1997 Triumph T509 Speed Triple with just 4,700 miles !

Despite the obscure T509 model designation, the Speed Triple used Triumph’s new modular 885cc engine which claimed 108 hp and 62 ft.-lbs. torque. Sagem fuel injection was a significant improvement over the original carburetors, and a 6-speed helped keep the engine on the boil. The updated chassis was alloy with a single-sided swingarm, though shares the rugged good looks of its steel predecessor. Suspension and brake components were high-spec, with 45mm multi-adjustable Showa forks, with their matching adjustable monoshock, and Nissin 4-piston calipers over 320mm rotors. The riding position is in keeping with its streetfighter image, and though early T509’s were equipped with clip-on’s, Todd’s has the mid-year conventional handlebar.

Todd is the second owner and has kept his Triple in phenomenal shape. The powder-coated silver wheels look sportier, and the belly pan and binnacle fairing with its Euro parking light are nice touches. Todd’s comments from his CycleTrader listing:

Lots of factory accessories on the bike: high mount carbon fiber “race” pipe, seat cowl, fly screen, carbon fiber tank protector, Tiger RS belly pan. Tail tidy and bar-end mirrors installed also. I had the wheels powder-coated silver when I bought the bike (they were originally black). Original mirrors, low pipe, passenger seat included. The bike will also include a Triumph pit stand.

Recent maintenance (done over this past winter to prepare the bike for sale):
-New injectors, fuel pump, fuel filter
-New spark plugs
-Rebuilt front calipers (pistons and seals)
-Front forks refreshed (new seals and oil)
-Coolant change
-Oil and Filter change

-Tires will need replacing soon

And here is a cold start / walk-around – video –

Todd asks $4,500 for his Speed Triple.

Triumph had a lot of competition in the muscle bike segment from the Yamaha V-Max to Ducati’s M900, but had their manufacturing ducks in a row and offered a European alternative at a sensible price. Todd picked a very good year, accessorized nicely, and cared for this eye-catching T509 beautifully.

-donn

Featured Listing – 1997 Triumph T509 Speed Triple

Ducati October 4, 2019 posted by Donn

Featured Listing – Early Production 1994 M900 Monster

Update 10.04.2019: This Monster is now on eBay. Good luck to buyers and seller! -dc

Up for grabs is a tidy, near-stock 1993/4 Ducati Monster in classic Ducati Red. The owner has traced the VIN to production in July of 1993, making this part of the first 6 months of Monster production. Largely credited as the bike that saved Ducati, this Monster remains almost exactly as designer Miguel Galuzzi intended.

1994 M900 Monster with 7,600 Miles!

Even Ducati couldn’t have foreseen the long legs of the Monster, but all agree that this 1st generation Monster is a classic, as it represents the purest of the line. It was set up at the factory with off-the-shelf parts, but they built an honest, well appointed bike when Ducati needed it.

These early 900c “L-twin” (or a 90 degree V-Twin) breathe through a pair of Mikuni carburetors, and put out near 70hp at the rear wheel. Even at the price point, they included inverted front forks, dual disks up front with 4-piston Brembos, and a lot of other nice touches that remain on this mostly stock example. The same cost-saving mandate also dictated the now-iconic trellis frame, which defines the line of the bike.

While the Monster is the most numerous bike Ducati has ever produced, less than 2,000 of the first year were imported to the U.S., making this a very collectible motorcycle for the real Ducati lover.

This specific example looks very clean, with only 7,600 miles on the clock. The bike is 100% stock, except for tasteful low-mount slip-ons. The owner notes a small knick on the left side of the tank from a handlebar lock-up, but other than that things seem excellent all around.

Though it looks great without them, the stock mirrors will be included in the transaction. The owner states the bike has clean Illinois title. Bike will come with original manual, paperwork detailing 6,000 mile service completed in 2017. RSBFS reader Daniel is asking $9,499 for his chapter in Ducati history, and requests replies via text on (212) 256-8475. Shipping to the lower 48 states is included in the purchase price; bike is currently located in Central Florida.

If the spirit of the early Monsters moves you, it would make sense to act now, before scarcity and nostalgia for these now 25 year-old bikes kicks in and drives prices up.

-donn

Featured Listing – Early Production 1994 M900 Monster

Ducati July 23, 2019 posted by Donn

BFF – 1996 Ducati 900 SS/CR

Ducati has had a Supersport in their line-up since most of us have been riding, and the 1990’s were good years for the SS with excellent chassis, Brembo brakes, Showa suspension and the easy air-cooled desmodue. This example has miles, and though the owner went lightly on upgrades, maintenance is up to date.

1996 Ducati 900SS/CR for sale on eBay

The carburetted era was winding down at Ducati but the 900SS still sports 38mm Mikunis, helping deliver 85 hp, pretty good for a two-valve air cooled engine. Components were in a sweet spot as well, with dual 320mm disks, inverted forks and lightweight if not quiet dry clutch. A good-sized pillion is available under the beauty cover, and the cafe racer fairing insures easy access for maintenance and cleaning.

This owner has made a few nice mods with the alloy swingarm and wider rear wheel, looks like an updated monoshock though it isn’t mentioned. The oil change schedule has a seasonal sound, so likely not too many recent miles, and for that odometer it looks phenomenal. Generously photographed, there’s also video of – startup – and – walkaround – ( better soundtrack on the startup ). From the eBay auction:

1996 Ducati 900SS with 35,146 miles. Meticulously maintained. Very clean. Always stored indoors (inside basement shop). Oil and filter changed every 500 miles or so. Valve adjusted 34,235. Belts replaced, new Ferodo clutch plates, brakes/clutch bled 34,934. This is basically an SP model (sans the carbon fiber and remote reservoirs) with CR bodywork. Showa 41mm usd 3-way adjustable forks. Aluminum SP swingarm. 5.5″ rear wheel. Regina chain. 41t rear sprocket. Adjustable brake and clutch levers. Napoleon bar-end mirror. Stock exhaust and cans (though mildly jetted to accept slip-ons). Updated (2001+) clutch slave cylinder and rod. Vented 1/2 clutch cover. Lightly tinted windscreen. New Yuasa YTX20HL-BS High Performance AGM battery. Did I mention how clean this bike was?

The later Supersports had a tough row to hoe, second fiddle to the superbikes with the new Monsters breathing down their corner of the showroom. Only a few hundred were imported in ’97-98, and Pierre Terblanche provided a re-styled SS for 1999. Though there is a reserve on this auction, this SS/CR should still be a down payment-sized entry into the sportbike affliction.

-donn